Far from the upheavals of the post Cold War world, Cuba lives in a bygone age.

It is still ruled by Fidel Castro. Market and democratic reform are off the agenda. The press is controlled and political prisoners languish in jail.

For us this system is the best one

Juan Miguel Garcia, Co-operative director

It's banned from getting international loans and aid, yet it has been praised by none other than the World Bank. Praised, in fact, for bringing healthcare and education up to first world levels.

This way of life has now even been praised by the World Bank for delivering basic needs, where other systems have failed.

The debate focusing minds is this. Under an authoritarian system, if you speak out against it, you get punished. But your children will be taught how to read and write. They will be vaccinated against diseases. They will be given basic care.

No change

Of course everybody would like there to be a better balance, but the cold truth is that throughout the developing world this is the awkward choice being faced.

One hundred and five families live off the Antero Regalado cooperative farm, bringing in about $2,000 each a year.

Juan Miguel Garcia is the co-operative director.
"For us this system is the best one because they provide us with free education and free health," he enthuses.

"The son in my family, who is a farmer, can study and become a doctor or an agronomist and for this we have all the support of the government and all the institutions."

Given the stories of war, famine and riots elsewhere in the world, this cooperative wants Cuba to stay the way it is.

Ten years ago this system was being ridiculed everywhere. Now, the world is not so sure.